MAN TOLD PARTNER TO KILL HERSELF
A Haddington man has been permanently banned from contacting his partner after he physically assaulted her and repeatedly urged her to take her own life.Dale Cairns engaged in a pattern of abusive conduct over a period exceeding three years during their relationship.
His abusive behavior involved shouting, swearing, and insulting her with offensive names.
From January 1, 2020, through April 26, 2023, Cairns issued threats to kill her should she leave him and continually encouraged her to commit suicide.
His domestic abuse also involved driving the woman around East Lothian, abandoning her in unfamiliar areas, visiting her unannounced, and locking her outside her home.
During proceedings at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Cairns also physically attacked the woman by grabbing her neck and applying pressure.
He admitted to these charges earlier this year, and his sentencing took place last Tuesday.
His solicitor Mark Hutchison, stated that Cairns, a father, now recognized his behavior as terrible and acknowledged its harm.
Cairns has been employed full-time as a fencer and has followed bail restrictions, including a home curfew and the wearing of an electronic monitoring device for nearly two years.
Sheriff Auchincloss highlighted the gravity of the assault, noting that choking someone can be fatal and the act causes immense fear.
Acknowledging the seriousness, the sheriff decided on a treatment order instead of immediate jail time.
As part of his sentence, Cairns was ordered to undergo 28 months of supervised community justice and perform 180 hours of unpaid work.
He is also required to participate in counseling sessions with the Caledonian Men's Programme and has been issued a non-harassment order to prevent contact with his partner for an indefinite period.
